15 Really Fun Things To Do Inside | Columbus, OH |

I originally wrote this list in the winter as a way to still get out and burn off some extra energy during the really cold months but as Spring rolled around I realized a lot of these fit into rainy day activities as well, or just any day you want to be inside. Here is my list of fun things to do in Columbus indoors. Check back frequently as I will be adding more to this list as we find more family favorites.

Get Air Columbus - if you have kiddos under 5, check out their toddler time on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10-11 $7 per kid (plus $2.50 for socks)

Columbus Metro Parks - I know it sounds crazy, going to the park in 20 degree weather but they have educational programs throughout the year, indoors so you can enjoy wildlife and all the wonderful things the Metro Parks has to offer without freezing. As a bonus when you complete 5 programs you the kiddos get a badge.

Color Me Mine - a wonderful paint your own pottery center, in Dublin, with lots of amazing different things to paint. My kids love the superheros and princesses. On Tuesdays they do 2 for 1 Tuesdays - so 2 people can paint for the price of 1, a savings of up to $9.

Goldfish Swim School - who wouldn't want to swim in 90 degree weather when it's below freezing outside? It's an amazing facility and so much fun for their family swim. It's $5 per person with a cap of $15. Family swim is Monday - Thursday 12-1 and Friday 6:30-8. If you want to see pictures of their facility check out my blog post on a birthday party we had there last year.

Star Lanes Bowling - We have always loved this bowling alley and considered it "our bowling alley" but when I found out they have $2 Mondays it was all over. This is our go to spot on Mondays because we can each rent shoes for $2 a person and a game of bowling is only $2 so it's a really inexpensive treat on Mondays. Really, any day you go is fun but Mondays are a perfect day to go to save some money.

Columbus Museum of Art - We are so lucky in Columbus to have such an amazing art museum, as a bonus they offer FREE admission on Sundays and every day children under 5 are FREE.

Brick of Dreams - Imagine a play cafe with nothing but LEGOS. It's $10 per hour and kids under 2 are free. Located in Dublin, it's a perfect place to take the LEGO lover in your life. Also a really fun time on the cold snowy days.

Art with Anna - has Saturday morning drop in class for $20 per student, ages 4 & up. Create a new masterpiece with each visit. They also offer Grow Up w/ Me art classes throughout the month for ages 2 and up, $15 per couple, and $5 per additional artist. Registering online is recommended.

Marcus Theaters has a winter warm up series starting February 5th going through March 20th. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10 am enjoy $3 admission for family friendly movies. Movies include, Minions, Pan, Home, and many more. Check out their website for all the details.

Head to the Chiller If you're willing to embrace the cold - hit the ice and go ice skating. The noon skate is only $4 per skater and $3 skate rental. They also offer a family package for $35 for 2 adults and 2 students, including skate rental.

Sports Ohio is a perfect way to burn off that extra energy. It's a family favorite of ours. They have different times that they are host open play but typically it is every Friday 10-12 or 1-3. Cost is $8 per session per kid.

We are so lucky to have such an incredible children's museum here in Columbus. COSI has everything and so much more. The Kidspace is by far our favorite part. Play is so important in a young child and COSI gives them the freedom to explore and play without fear of competing with older children and in a safe environment. Tickets range from $14-$19 but I will say we purchase a membership every year and it is worth every penny.

You may have heard about Recreations Outlet (Powell) as the best place to purchase a swing set or trampoline but they also offer a large space to come and play. They are open every day and $6 per child (for two hours of play) on the weekdays and $8 on the weekends and school holidays. They also offer Charitable Play on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9-11, $2 per family (up to 3 kids) and half of the money goes to charity.

Glow Putt is a really fun and unique inside activity, especially for the older kids. First round is $7 (kids are $5) and replays are $5. Located in Gahanna.

Franklin Park Conservatory is so beautiful. I could stay there all day daydreaming. They offer a lot of family and kid friendly actives and even if they don't have a specific activity going on there is still so much to do. General Admission - $13 for adults, $6 for children 3-17 and kids 2 and under are free. I would suggest considering a membership if you plan on going more than once. Family memberships start at $80.